NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2026

by | Jan 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2026

Check out the latest on Evgeni Malkin, Jason Robertson, Artemi Panarin, Jordan Kyrou, Blake Coleman, Jonathan Marchessault, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Joonas Korpisalo, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS INTERESTED IN EVGENI MALKIN

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently reported that some teams would love to acquire Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, but he carries a full no-movement clause. Any attempt to move him requires his consent.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

According to Kypreos, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would be among the suitors, wondering if Russian winger Kirill Kaprizov might convince Malkin to join the Wild for a playoff run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kypreos acknowledged that Pittsburgh is in wildcard contention and under new ownership. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said earlier this season that he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss the remainder of this season. If the Penguins remain in the playoff hunt, Malkin will likely stay put.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS PURSUE STARS WINGER JASON ROBERTSON?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have limited assets to attempt a major trade. They used Easton Cowen as a trade chip last season in a failed attempt to acquire Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues. However, Cowen’s performance this season makes it tough to part with him unless it’s for a significant return.

One idea involves the Maple Leafs making a pitch to the Dallas Stars for winger Jason Robertson. He could seek $12 million annually on his next contract, which is too expensive for the Stars. The Leafs could afford it, but the acquisition cost would be steep, involving Cowen, blueline prospect Ben Danford, and more. That could be more of an offseason move than a deadline one.

Kypreos touched on the possibility of moving Cowen and Danford in a package deal for a top-six forward or puck-moving defenseman in his latest Toronto Star column. He also suggested that Leafs forwards Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, Nicolas Roy, Max Domi, Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, and defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Troy Stecher could be valuable trade commodities to stock up on futures while retooling the roster for the next two seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is tied with Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor as this season’s highest-scoring American player (52 points). The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Robertson could price himself out of Dallas, but the Stars won’t move him this season. They’re all-in for the Stanley Cup, and they need Robertson’s offense.

The Leafs could be hard-pressed to win a bidding war for Robertson this summer, but they have an advantage with his younger brother, Nick, on their roster.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS, RANGERS, FLAMES, BLUES, SABRES, AND JETS

The Nashville Predators are still expected to be sellers despite their recent surge in the standings. Winger Steven Stamkos’ $8 million annual cap hit makes him difficult to move. Winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a more likely trade candidate, but he has a full no-movement clause. He also didn’t rule out the possibility of goaltender Juuse Saros being part of a “bombshell deal”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but the Predators have clawed their way back into wildcard contention. They’re unlikely to sell if they’re still in contention by March 6. Stamkos, Marchessault, and Saros all have full no-movement clauses, and it’s unlikely that they’ll waive them.

Kypreos felt the New York Rangers could become sellers if sidelined goaltender Igor Shesterkin is out for a lengthy period. He mentioned pending UFA winger Artemi Panarin as the most likely trade candidate. He also suggested keeping an eye on center Vincent Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mollie Walker of the New York Post listed Panarin and Trocheck as trade candidates if the Rangers are sellers by March 6. She also included struggling young winger Brennan Othmann, defenseman Carson Soucy, and winger Alexis Lafreniere.

Blake Coleman is currently the player most in demand on the Calgary Flames. Teams are wary of center Nazem Kadri’s age and the remaining term of his contract. Kypreos still thinks the Vegas Golden Knights are still circling on defenseman Rasmus Andersson and could attempt to acquire him before the Olympic break.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson remains the most likely to be traded because of his UFA eligibility on July 1 and his status as the top defenseman in this summer’s free agent market. Mike Gould of Daily Faceoff recently listed the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and the Golden Knights as potential destinations.

The Flames aren’t facing the same pressure to trade Coleman because he has another year left on his contract, though they could ship him out if they get a good offer.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou has a full no-trade clause. However, Kypreos believes there’s a sense he may be softening on waiving it to go to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou was the frequent subject of trade chatter until last July, when his NTC kicked in and silenced that talk. The Montreal Canadiens were reportedly interested at that time, but their current limited cap space makes it difficult for them to take on his $8.125 million AAV through 2030-31.

The Buffalo Sabres are aggressively shopping as buyers. They have some good young prospects and depth in their system to use as trade bait. Kypreos also believes they can afford to meet the salary demands of UFA-eligible winger Alex Tuch of around $10 million.

Kypreos doesn’t expect the struggling Winnipeg Jets to make a significant roster shake-up if they become sellers by the March 6 trade deadline. He anticipated they would make minor moves, such as peddling pending UFA defenseman Luke Schenn.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Boston Bruins have been gauging the trade market for Joonas Korpisalo. However, the 31-year-old backup goaltender’s contract is a sticking point. He’s got two more years left on his deal with an AAV of $4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

Murphy indicated that league sources believe the Bruins would have to attach a draft pick or prospect to unload Korpisalo in a deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently examined potential trade candidates for the Boston Bruins should they become sellers by March 6.

Korpisalo fell into the “Limited Market” category. Winger Viktor Arvidsson, defenseman Mason Lohrei, center Casey Mittelstadt, and defenseman Andrew Peeke were among those in the “Let’s Make A Deal” category.

Shinzawa thinks the biggest decision is whether to move Pavel Zacha. He’s a versatile forward who can play in all situations and carries an affordable $4.75 million AAV through 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could be buyers or sellers by the deadline, depending on where they are in the standings. Their performance over the rest of this month could determine which direction they go.

UPDATE ON JESPERI KOTKANIEMI

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette examined what’s gone wrong for Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The 25-year-old Carolina Hurricanes center has been the subject of recent trade speculation. Lavalette believes he failed to establish an identity to his game. His lack of consistency resulted in head coach Rod Brind’Amour losing confidence in him.

Kotkaniemi still believes he can become a top-six forward. Another club could take him on as a reclamation project. His contract isn’t that bad, with four years remaining at an AAV of $4.82 million. There is also a market for centers right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that there are teams interested in Kotkaniemi. The Hurricanes could seek a roster player in return, but they could settle for a return of draft picks, or a pick and a prospect, that they could use as trade bait to add a player by the trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2026

by | Jan 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2026

The latest on Flames forward Nazem Kadri, the Canadiens could be interested in Flames winger Blake Coleman, the Hurricanes are entertaining offers for Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and the latest on the Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NAZEM KADRI COULD BE OPEN TO A TRADE

TSN: Darren Dreger believes Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri would be willing to listen if an opportunity to be traded to a contender came along.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Kadri, 35, is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million and a 13-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trade rumors were buzzing about Kadri earlier this season, but Flames ownership said they had no intention of moving him. However, it appears to be a different story if he wants to be moved, or if a contender comes calling with a good offer, whether those offers come before the March 6 trade deadline remains to be seen.

CANADIENS INTERESTED IN FLAMES WINGER BLAKE COLEMAN

TSN: Pierre LeBrun thinks Flames winger Blake Coleman is high on the Montreal Canadiens’ list of trade targets. The 34-year-old is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and would bring a measure of physicality, veteran leadership, and versatility to the Canadiens’ roster.

Coleman is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $4.9 million. He also has a 10-team no-trade list.

LeBrun said nothing is imminent with the Canadiens. They intend to wait until the Olympic break in February to gauge the health of their roster and their position in the standings before pursuing that type of deal.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont appreciates Coleman’s skills, but he’s skeptical that the Canadiens will pursue him.

Dumont pointed out that Alexandre Texier’s play negates some of what Coleman would bring to the lineup. He also expressed concern that Coleman’s shooting percentage might collapse, turning him into an expensive bottom-six forward. There is currently no pressing need to make that move.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico indicated that the Canadiens are ahead of schedule with their rebuild and will soon be getting their sidelined players back in the lineup. They’re open to adding physical, middle-six scoring forwards, but they’re not under pressure to do so.

The Canadiens are dealing from a position of strength. They can afford to be patient and wait for value rather than overpaying to keep pace. Management is still prioritizing long-term impact over short-term optics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Coleman wouldn’t be a rental player for the Canadiens, provided they’re not on his no-trade list. However, General Manager Kent Hughes’ trade history suggests he won’t overpay to acquire him. LeBrun also stressed that Coleman is among several players on the Canadiens’ trade targets list.

HURRICANES LISTENING TO OFFERS FOR JESPERI KOTKANIEMI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports several sources claim the Carolina Hurricanes are considering trade offers for Jesperi Kotkaniemi. They want something in return that can help them now or something they can use to acquire something that can provide immediate help.

The Hurricanes successfully signed away Kotkaniemi from the Canadiens with an offer sheet in 2021, and later signed him to an eight-year deal with an AAV of $4.82 million.

Friedman said the Hurricanes have used the 25-year-old Kotkaniemi in recent trade discussions when they attempted to acquire Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings and Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Danault was traded to the Canadiens, and Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kotkaniemi struggled to establish himself as a reliable middle-six center with the Hurricanes. Given the lack of centers in the trade market, Friedman believes he’s drawing legitimate interest from other clubs.

LATEST ON THE DEVILS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is trying to shake up his struggling roster. He’s aggressively searching for a top-six forward, but things are quiet in the trade market right now.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils must make some changes to their roster if they’re not going to shake things up in the front office or behind the bench.

He noted the Devils attempted to move defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat earlier this season. Those moves seem more likely in the offseason when things are more flexible.

Nichols suggested it may be time to consider moving a core player. He felt that management should speak with Jack and Luke Hughes to determine how committed they are to the organization after the Devils’ failed attempt to acquire brother Quinn Hughes. Otherwise, it may be time to look at Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and team captain Nico Hischier

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils supporters are roasting Fitzgerald on social media, but it doesn’t sound as though he’s on the hot seat with ownership. Dreger said he speaks to ownership every week, and they know what direction he wants to take this team.

Barring a strong second-half turnaround, the Devils might face some difficult questions regarding the core of their roster. They’ve struggled to regain their once-promising 2022-23 form, when they finished with the best record in franchise history.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 11, 2025

by | Dec 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 11, 2025

Recapping Wednesday’s games, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin talked about his future, injury updates, ongoing concerns about the slow construction of the 2026 Winter Olympics rinks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat scored twice and collected an assist as his club held off the Calgary Flames by a score of 4-3. John Gibson made 34 saves for the Red Wings (17-11-3), extending their win streak to three games as they moved into first place in the Atlantic Division with 37 points. Nazem Kadri had two assists for the Flames (12-16-4) as their three-game win streak ended.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Down 4-0, the Flames got three unanswered goals in the third to make it interesting, but they ultimately came up short. Speaking of Kadri, he donated $50,000.00 to a food bank in his hometown of London, Ontario.

The Chicago Blackhawks got a 21-save shutout from goaltender Spencer Knight to blank the New York Rangers 3-0. Connor Bedard had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks, who improved to 13-11-6. Igor Shesterkin stopped 22 shots for the 15-13-4 Rangers, who have lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Rangers placed sidelined center Adam Edstrom (lower body) on injured reserve.

Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell scored with 52 seconds remaining in the third period to lift his club to a 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth. Sam Bennett had two goals and an assist, and Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside 27 shots for the Panthers (15-12-2), who picked up their third consecutive win. Dylan Guenther tallied two goals as the Mammoth lost its third straight game, slipping to 14-15-3.

An overtime goal by Vince Dunn capped his three-point performance as the Seattle Kraken nipped the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Matty Beniers scored with 24 seconds left in the game to force overtime for the Kraken (12-10-6) as they snapped a six-game losing skid. Alex Laferriere and Kevin Fiala scored for the 14-8-8 Kings.

HEADLINES

RG.ORG: Alex Ovechkin discussed his future in a recent interview with Andrew Knoll.

The Washington Capitals captain is in the final season of his contract. He isn’t thinking beyond this season, but hasn’t ruled out bringing his career full circle by returning to the KHL’s Dynamo Moscow in a ceremonial or competitive role.

Having surpassed 900 NHL regular-season goals, Ovechkin has shifted from chasing scoring milestones to the Capitals’ resurgence as they jockey for first place in the Eastern Conference for the second straight season.

ESPN.COM: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed concern about the delays plaguing the construction of the hockey rinks for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. He pointed out that constructions of rinks for previous Winter Games had never stretched on this long, calling the delays “disappointing.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Once the arenas are completed, the league will be sending its experts to determine that the ice surface is safe for its players. There are no alternate venues if the ice isn’t up to the standard expected by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly stated the players won’t participate if the ice surface isn’t suitable.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers’ blue line will soon get a boost when sidelined defensemen Cam York and Rasmus Ristolainen return to action. Ristolainen has been recovering from surgery in March to repair a ruptured triceps tendon. York has missed the past five games with a lower-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi is sidelined again with a lower-body injury.

SPORTSNET: Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans will miss Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins for personal reasons.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenseman Dakota Mermis (lower body) on injured reserve.

DAILY FACEOFF/TSN: The St. Louis Blues announced that center Nick Bjugstad is out for at least five days with an upper-body injury. They also signed forward Robby Fabbri to a one-year, two-way contract, and signed forward Dillon Dube to an AHL professional tryout contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 7, 2025

by | Dec 7, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 7, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon ties the Avalanche goals record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon scored twice, including the winner in overtime, as the Colorado Avalanche nipped the New York Rangers 3-2. Martin Necas collected three assists as the league-leading Avalanche (46 points) became the first team to reach the 20-win plateau (20-2-6). Igor Shesterkin kicked out 39 shots while Conor Sheary and Artemi Panarin replied for the 15-13-3 Rangers.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon leads the league with 24 goals and 48 points. He also reached 391 career NHL regular-season goals, tying Joe Sakic for the most goals in Avalanche history. Sakic remains the overall franchise leader (Avalanche and Quebec Nordiques) with 625.

The Florida Panthers overcame 4-1 and 6-4 deficits to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-6 on an overtime goal by Sam Bennett, who also collected three assists. Brad Marchand also had a goal and three assists, and Carter Verhaeghe tallied twice and picked up an assist for the Panthers, who snapped a four-game losing skid and improved to 13-12-2. Dmitri Voronkov, Miles Wood, Cole Sillinger, and Isac Lundestrom each had a goal and an assist for the 13-9-6 Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen returned to action after being sidelined since Nov. 15 from burns to his lower body suffered when his propane grill malfunctioned and exploded while he was cooking.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin turned in a 32-save shutout to blank the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0. Calum Ritchie and Casey Cizikas were the goal scorers for the 16-10-3 Islanders. Jonas Johansson stopped 17 of 18 shots for the Lightning (16-10-2), who have lost three straight but remain in first place in the Atlantic Division with 34 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning captain Victor Hedman returned to action after missing the last 12 games with an undisclosed injury. Starting goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy and winger Nikita Kucherov missed this game and are day-to-day with undisclosed injuries.

A shootout goal by Alexandre Texier lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Cole Caufield scored to extend his points streak to 10 games for the Canadiens (15-9-3). Dennis Hildeby made 33 saves, and Scott Laughton scored for the 13-11-4 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Maple Leafs placed starting goalie Joseph Woll (lower body) on injured reserve.

St. Louis Blues netminder Joel Hofer turned aside 41 shots, and Jake Neighbours scored twice to beat the Ottawa Senators by a score of 2-1. Fabian Zetterlund replied for the Senators (13-11-4), who have dropped four of their last five games. The Blues now sit at 10-12-7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues winger Jordan Kyrou left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the Senators played without center Shane Pinto, who suffered a lower-body injury during Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers. Pinto will be sidelined for at least two weeks.

Vancouver Canucks center Aatu Raty had his first multipoint NHL game with two goals and an assist in a 4-2 upset of the Minnesota Wild. Rookie defenseman Tom Wallinder scored his first NHL goal, and goalie Nikita Tolopilo stopped 28 shots for the Canucks (11-15-3) as they ended a four-game losing skid. Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello each had a goal and an assist, and goalie Jesper Wallstedt suffered his first regulation loss of the season for the Wild (15-9-5), who’ve dropped three of their last four contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks center Elias Pettersson left the warmup for this game with an upper-body injury.

The Calgary Flames blanked the Utah Mammoth 2-0. Dustin Wolf made 27 saves for the shutout while Yegor Sharangovich and Connor Zary scored for the 11-15-4 Flames, who are 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Vitek Vanecek stopped 21 of 22 shots for the 14-13-3 Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mammoth center Logan Cooley was a late scratch from this game with a lower-body injury.

Carolina Hurricanes forwards Jackson Blake and Nikolaj Ehlers each had three points in a 6-3 victory over the Nashville Predators. Goalie Brandon Bussi made 19 saves for his sixth straight win for the 17-8-2 Hurricanes. Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist for the Predators, who dropped to 10-14-4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi returned to action after missing nine games with a lower-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger Morgan Geekie scored for the 10th time in nine games in a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Jeremy Swayman kicked out 29 shots as the Bruins improved to 17-13-0. Timo Meier replied for the Devils (16-12-1), who have lost five straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie sits second among NHL skaters this season with 22 goals.

A four-goal first period carried the Edmonton Oilers over the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 6-2. Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Connor McDavid each had two points for the 13-11-5 Oilers. Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Koepke replied for the Jets (14-13-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid has been rising in the points race lately, sitting second to the Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon with 42 points.

A late goal by Patrick Kane gave the Detroit Red Wings a 4-3 win over the Seattle Kraken. John Gibson made 24 saves for the win as the Red Wings improved to 15-11-3. Adam Larsson had a goal and an assist for the 11-9-6 Kraken, who have lost five straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane is closing in on the 500-goal milestone with 497.

The Los Angeles Kings thumped the Chicago Blackhawks 6-0. Darcy Kuemper turned in a 23-save shutout, and Brandt Clarke scored two goals for the 13-8-7 Kings. Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight made 26 saves as his club dropped to 12-10-6.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars placed forward Tyler Seguin (ACL) on long-term injury reserve and put defenseman Lian Bichsel on injured reserve following surgery on his left leg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For now, the Stars will get just over $3.8 million in cap relief by placing Seguin on LTIR. If it’s determined that he’ll miss the rest of the season (including the playoffs), he’ll be moved to season-ending LTIR, enabling them to exceed the salary cap by the remainder of his $9.8 million cap hit.

Meanwhile, Bichsel is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

ESPN.COM: Former Stars owner Tom Hicks died on Saturday at age 79. He owned the club from 1995 to 2011, during which they won the Stanley Cup in 1999 and reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2000.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Hicks’ family and the Stars organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 26, 2025

by | Nov 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 26, 2025

A milestone game for Stars captain Jamie Benn as the Oilers suffer another lopsided loss, a brief look at league attendance thus far this season, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn scored his 400th career NHL regular-season goal in an 8-3 drubbing of the Edmonton Oilers in the only game on Tuesday’s schedule. Benn finished with two points, Wyatt Johnston had a goal and three assists, Jason Robertson had a goal and two assists, and Nate Bastian tallied twice for the 14-5-4 Stars, who’ve won seven of their last 10 games.

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn (NHL Images).

Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner was pulled in the first period after giving up four goals on eight shots. Backup Calvin Pickard allowed four goals on 22 shots as the Oilers dropped to 10-10-5 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers were booed off the ice in their first home game in two weeks. After the game, Leon Draisaitl admitted his club’s ongoing defensive woes were “very concerning.” With 25 points, the Oilers are two points out of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. They still have time to sort out their issues and rise in the standings, and they have rebounded before from poor early-season performances. However, there’s a feeling that a bounce-back effort could be more difficult this time.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and James Mirtle examined the NHL’s attendance through the first third of this season’s schedule.

They found that half the league’s 16 teams are hitting 98 percent capacity or higher. Topping the list are the Vegas Golden Knights (102.3 percent), followed by the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars, all at or above 100 percent.

Other clubs among that group include the New Jersey Devils (99.9 percent), Vancouver Canucks (99.6), Edmonton Oilers (99.6), Detroit Red Wings (99.4), Montreal Canadiens (99.3), Toronto Maple Leafs (98.7), New York Rangers (98.2), and Carolina Hurricanes (98.1).

The Pittsburgh Penguins are among those below 90 percent capacity (89.9 percent), followed by the Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Buffalo Sabres.

Compared to this time last season, the Sharks have seen the most significant improvement in attendance, with an average increase of 2,056. They’re followed by the Columbus Blue Jackets (1,079) and the Buffalo Sabres (1,072).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising that most of those teams with the highest attendance are those that are among the most successful, while those below 90 percent are rebuilding teams or those that missed the playoffs last season.

Notably, the Predators remain well-supported despite their poor performance since last season. The Kraken’s improved play this season likely accounts for their full houses thus far.

Keep an eye on the Sharks as this season progresses. Led by young superstar Macklin Celebrini, they’ve improved significantly through the opening quarter, drawing more fans as a result. Their attendance could keep rising if they maintain that current pace and remain in playoff contention throughout the season.

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot was fined $5,000.00 by the department of player safety for butt-ending New Jersey Devils blueliner Simon Nemec during Monday’s game between the two clubs.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen didn’t travel with the team for their upcoming California road trip. He is staying at home for personal reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks were already without sidelined starter Thatcher Demko. They’ve recalled Jiri Patera, who will join fellow call-up Nikita Tolopilo.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry and winger Bryan Rust are expected to be available for Wednesday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. Jarry’s been out since Nov. 3 with an undisclosed injury, while Rust missed two straight practices with an illness.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Minnesota Wild forward Vinnie Hinostroza is out for four to six weeks with a lower-body injury.

CBS SPORTS: Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (ankle) was placed on injured reserve.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche forward Joel Kiviranta is returning to the lineup after missing 17 games with a lower-body injury.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers placed forward Juuso Parssinen on waivers.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL goaltender Alexandar Georgiev signed a two-year contract with KHL team Spartak Moscow. His contract with the Buffalo Sabres was terminated on Monday, allowing him to make the move to the KHL.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues released winger Milan Lucic from his AHL professional tryout contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 16, 2025

by | Nov 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 16, 2025

Multi-point games by the Stars’ Jason Robertson and Oilers forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl highlight a busy Saturday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: A natural hat trick by Jason Robertson powered the Dallas Stars to a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Roope Hintz collected three assists as the Stars (12-4-3) won their fifth straight game. Christian Dvorak scored for the 9-6-3 Flyers.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Thomas Harley missed this game as he’s out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored twice and collected an assist, and Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists (including the winning goal in overtime) to nip the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Stuart Skinner made 33 saves as the Oilers improved to 9-7-4. Eric Robinson, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Jordan Staal scored for the 12-5-1 Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis returned to action after being clipped in the eye by a stick in Friday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Teammate Jesperi Kotkaniemi remains sidelined with an ankle injury suffered in the same game. Oilers winger Zach Hyman collected an assist in his season debut after recovering from a dislocated wrist.

The Buffalo Sabres overcame a 4-1 deficit to beat the Detroit Red Wings by a score of 5-4, snapping a five-game losing skid. Tage Thompson and Josh Doan had a goal and an assist for the 6-8-4 Sabres. Alex DeBrincat tallied twice and Lucas Raymond picked up three assists for the Red Wings (10-7-1), who’ve dropped four of their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin had two assists as he rejoined his teammates after returning from a leave of absence to spend time with his fiancee, who is recovering from a heart transplant during the summer. Sabres blueliner Michael Kesselring left this game at the end of the second period with a lower-body injury.

Minnesota Wild rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt kicked out 28 shots for his second straight shutout in a 2-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist for the Wild, who improved to 8-7-4. Petr Mrazek made 28 saves for the Ducks (11-6-1), who’ve lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild winger Vladimir Tarasenko missed this game with a lower-body injury.

The Los Angeles Kings blanked the Ottawa Senators 1-0, picking up their fourth straight victory. Anton Forsberg made 17 saves for the shutout, and Alex Laferriere tallied the only goal as the 10-5-4 Kings picked up their fourth straight win and vaulted over the Ducks into first place in the Pacific Division with 24 points. Linus Ullmark turned aside 17 shots for the 9-6-4 Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty left this game in the second period with a lower-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak had two assists, and goalie Jeremy Swayman made 26 saves to hold off the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Viktor Arvidsson scored what proved to be the game-winning goal as the Bruins (12-8-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with 24 points. Cole Caufield netted his 13th goal of the season as the 10-6-2 Canadiens dropped their third straight game, slipping into second place behind the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston went seven-for-seven on the penalty kill, including two 5-on-3 situations. Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy left the game in the second period after being struck in the jaw by a shot from Montreal defenseman Noah Dobson.

Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Jack Finlay’s first NHL goal was the game-winner in a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 shots for the Lightning (9-6-2), who’ve won eight of their last 10 games. Brad Marchand scored to extend his points streak to 10 games for the 9-8-1 Panthers.

A shootout goal by Simon Nemec lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Washington Capitals 3-2. Luke Hughes had a goal and an assist for the 13-4-1 Devils, who hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 27 points. Alex Ovechkin and Connor McMichael each had a goal and an assist as the Capitals (8-8-2) overcame a 2-0 deficit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Devils announced that center Jack Hughes will miss the next eight weeks following successful finger surgery. Hughes slipped and fell and cut himself on some glass during a recent team dinner. The Devils also announced that forward Cody Glass is week-to-week with an upper-body injury suffered against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin stopped 24 shots, and J.T. Miller scored in a shootout to squeak past the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1. Mika Zibanejad scored in regulation for the Rangers, who have won four of their last five and improved to 10-7-2. Jet Greaves made 31 saves and Kirill Marchenko collected an assist to extend his points streak to 11 games for the Blue Jackets (9-7-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers defenseman Will Borgen missed this game with an upper-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Blue Jackets placed sidelined captain Boone Jenner (upper body) on injured reserve.

Third-period goals by Teuvo Teravainen and Colton Dach lifted the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Spencer Knight kicked out 31 shots for the Blackhawks (9-5-4), who’ve won four of their last five contests. Joseph Woll made 29 saves in his season debut with the Maple Leafs, who slipped to 8-9-2 and are winless in their last five games (0-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno left this game in the second period after injuring his hand blocking a shot. He’s expected to be sidelined for four weeks. Earlier in the day, the Maple Leafs claimed defenseman Troy Stecher off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers and placed goaltender Anthony Stolarz (upper body) on injured reserve. Meanwhile, center David Kampf signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks, one day after his contract with the Maple Leafs was terminated.

The Vegas Golden Knights downed the St. Louis Blues 4-1. Rookie Braeden Bowman’s first NHL goal was the game-winner while Pavel Dorofeyev and Reilly Smith each collected two assists for the 8-4-5 Golden Knights, snapping a four-game winless skid. Philip Broberg replied for the Blues, who’ve dropped three of their last four games and slipped to 6-9-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have assigned goaltender Carter Hart to their AHL affiliate in Henderson, Nevada, for a conditioning stint.

A shootout goal by Gabriel Vilardi gave the Winnipeg Jets a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 31 shots while Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey each collected two assists for the 11-7-0 Jets. Matt Coronato had a goal and an assist for the 5-12-3 Flames.

Seattle Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer stopped 19 shots in relief of an injured Matt Murray to beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1. Jaden Schwartz tallied two goals and Chandler Stephenson had three assists for the 9-4-5 Kraken. Alexander Wennberg replied for the 8-8-3 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murray left the game toward the end of the first period with a lower-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Kraken placed winger Kaapo Kakko (lower body) on injured reserve and activated forward Frederick Gaudreau.